For the first time in 200 years, Grimbergen opens the doors of its brewery inside the Grimbergen Abbey, celebrating the historic event with three limited edition beers.
The new Grimbergen Abbey Brewery combines nearly 900 years of brewing tradition with the best modern production techniques. The historic brand of Belgian Abbey beers returns to where it all began when, in 1128, the Nobertini monks created the Abbey itself and dedicated themselves to the production of the precious drink. Moreover, the history of this brand is linked to that of the Abbey, which was founded in 1128 and was rebuilt by a fire in 1142, later in 1566 and again in 1798. After each destructive wave, it was rebuilt. 
It is no coincidence that the monks of Grimbergen chose the phoenix as their emblem, which symbolizes the perpetual rebirth of their Abbey, and adopted a motto in honor of this legendary animal: Ardet nec consumitur, Burns but does not consume. Since 2008, the brand has been part of the portfolio of the Carlsberg Group, which has decided to rebuild the internal brewery in close collaboration with the Under Prior, Father Karel Stautemas, who has joined the Abbey brewers team and is completing his qualifications for become Master Brewer, so as to continue the legacy of generations of Fathers before him. Alongside him, Master Brewer Marc-Antoine Sochon, a 28-year-old Frenchman with a long background despite his young age, also dedicated to the mission of bringing the new Brewery to life. Which will be a cornerstone between tradition and innovation, a place that will give rise to new beers created by the skilful combination of recipes found in the ancient books of the Abbey library and new production techniques. Meanwhile, to celebrate the event, there are three new limited edition beers: Magnum Opus Brut Beer, Ignis Quadruple and Astrum Pale Ale. 
Magnum Brut Beer is a light-looking beer with a clear appearance than an elegant one that offers a golden appearance, perfect for adding a celebratory vibe to any situation. A Brut beer, complex and sparkling, with a light color, which thanks to a special production process and a double fermentation process has a character very similar to a sparkling wine. 
Ignis Quadruple is inspired by the spirit of the Fathers who reconstructed that the fire devastated: the smoked malts with beech wood and that a strong taste, which is enriched with the characteristic spicy notes of Grimbergen beers to create a beer with character. Hints of caramelized sugar, hazelnuts and oak wood combine with pleasant notes of dried fruit, raisins, plum and fig, to provide a delicate sweetness in the mouth.
In the Astrum Pale Ale, Galaxy hops, imported from Tasmania, have been used to give a fascinating citrus aroma, which combined with the best Flemish hops creates a perfectly balanced beer with a smooth and moderately malty flavor. The Grimbergen Abbey Brewery also has a bar and restaurant, which will give visitors the chance to taste the beers and combine them with the dishes of the Fenikshof restaurant. Later this year, Grimbergen will also open a Brewery Experience Center which will give visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in Grimbergen’s rich heritage and the magic that lives behind this great novelty (www.grimbergenbeer.com).
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